West County wineries win at Harvest Fair

With the late grape harvest and crush in full swing, not too many of the wineries in the West County entered this year’s Harvest Fair, but those who did, did very well in the judging.

Graton Ridge took a gold for its 2009 Pinot Noir, and a silver for its Chardonnay.

Taft St. near Sebastopol took a Gold for its 2010 Pinot Grigio, and silvers for its 2008 Chardonnay, and 2010 dry Rose.

Occidental Road took two bronzes one for its 2007 Pinot Noir, and and the other for its 2008 Pinot Noir.

The big winner was Balletto Winery outside of Sebastopol. They got two double gold winners, one for its 2010 estate Pinot Noir, 500 Russian River, and the other for its 2009 Pinot Noir from the BCD Vineyard. They also got three silvers for 2009 Pinot Gris, 2007 Zinfandel and Syrah. They also for three bronzes for a 2008 Chardonnay, 2008 Gewurtztraminer, and 2009 Pinot Noir.

John Balletto, head of the winery interrupted his harvest long enough to comment on his triumph, “It was great. We grow all our grapes in ther Russian River Valley and west of Sebastopol. It’s a great place.”

Balletto is his own chief viticulturist and works closely with his winemaker, Anthony Beckman.

“All our award winners are available for tasting,” Balletto said.